These easy dinner ideas for tonight are my all-time favorite go-to recipes that are quick to make and always a family favorite. From chicken, pork, and beef to seafood, casseroles, and more. Whether you want to prepare dinner before heading to work or need something to make at the last minute, here are some easy dinner ideas that everyone will love!
Jump to:
- 1. Carne Asada
- 2. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
- 3. Texas Chili
- 4. London Broil
- 5. Shepherd’s Pie
- 6. Doritos Chicken Casserole
- 7. Ground Beef Stew
- 8. Pan Seared Mahi Mahi
- 9. Chicken Marsala
- 10. Pork Belly Ramen
- 11. Tortilla Pizzas
- 12. Lo Mein
- 13. Marry Me Chicken
- 14. Baked Pork Tenderloin
- 15. Spanish Seafood Paella
- 16. Shredded Chicken Tacos
- 17. Spaghetti Bolognese
- 18. BBQ Baked Pork Spareribs
- 19. Baked Cheeseburgers
- 20. Pan Seared T-Bone Steak
- 21. Fried Chicken
- 22. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- 23. Baked Flounder
- 24. Meatloaf (With Oatmeal)
- 25. Nachos Supreme
- 26. Baked Rigatoni
- 27. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
- 28. Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
- 29. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
- 30. Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
- 31. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
- 32. Shrimp Scampi
- 33. Salmon with Dill Sauce
- 34. Air Fryer Brats
- 35. Ground Beef Stroganoff
- 36. Tater Tot Hamburger Casserole
- 37. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
- 38. Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
- 39. Baked Italian Sausage
- 40. Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
- 41. Pork Shoulder Butt Roast
- 42. Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
- 43. Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
- 44. Crockpot Cube Steak
- 45. Shake and Bake Pork Chops
- 46. Tacos Dorados
- 47. Ground Beef Casserole
- 48. Doritos Casserole
- 49. Sous Vide Chicken Breast
- 50. Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- 51. 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
- 52. Beefaroni
- 53. Crockpot Mongolian Beef
- 54. Air Fryer Quesadillas
- 55. Slow Cooker Goulash
- 56. Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
- 57. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- 58. Baked Scotch Eggs
- 59. Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- 60. Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple
- 61. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
- 😋 More Great Dinner Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Best Easy Dinner Ideas For Tonight: 61+ Great Main Dish Recipes To Make Now!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
Not everyone knows what they're going to eat for the whole week ahead of time—I know I don't. Sometimes, you have to figure out what to cook for dinner at the very last minute without any chance to go to the store.
My dinner ideas are all about easy recipes. They're quick to make, can be prepared beforehand, and mostly use ingredients you probably already have at home. So, pick one and enjoy your dinner!
1. Carne Asada
This tender and flavorful carne asada can be used for tacos, burritos, fajitas, or just enjoyed by itself!
2. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
In 45 minutes, you’ll be ready to enjoy these cheesy, creamy enchiladas that are loaded with tender and juicy shredded chicken!
3. Texas Chili
This extra meaty chili uses canned chipotle peppers to add some heat, which is why it's one of my favorite chili recipes. Customize it to your liking with all of your favorite toppings!
4. London Broil
This easy dish can be put in the marinade ahead of time, so when it comes time to cook this tender, mouthwatering steak, it’ll only take 15 minutes!
5. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a classic, family-favorite dinner that is layered with flavorful meat, onion, carrots, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese!
6. Doritos Chicken Casserole
My kid-loved Doritos chicken casserole is creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and extremely satisfying! Not to mention, it’s ready in 40 minutes!
7. Ground Beef Stew
Tender vegetables, savory ground beef, and soft potatoes all come together to make this warm and comforting stew!
8. Pan Seared Mahi Mahi
Ready in just 15 minutes, this flaky and juicy fish recipe is perfect for any last-minute dinner!
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
9. Chicken Marsala
Creamy, saucy, and loaded with mushrooms, this chicken marsala is a comforting, delicious classic!
10. Pork Belly Ramen
This dish is full of crispy, flavor-packed pork belly, tender noodles, and a rich, savory broth! Not to mention, it is super customizable!
11. Tortilla Pizzas
Tortilla pizzas are super quick to make and everyone can choose their favorite pizza toppings! This is one of the best dinners for tonight if you are short on time!
12. Lo Mein
Add your favorite protein to this lo mein for an extra flavorful, saucy meal that is better than Chinese takeout!
13. Marry Me Chicken
This one-pan dinner features a cheesy, creamy sauce and tender chicken that goes perfectly over a soft bed of pasta!
14. Baked Pork Tenderloin
My baked pork tenderloins will be on the table in under 45 minutes while still being golden brown and perfectly seasoned!
15. Spanish Seafood Paella
If you love seafood, then this meal is what you need in your life! It features a big bowl of rice, chorizo, and a large number of your favorite seafood proteins!
16. Shredded Chicken Tacos
It doesn’t have to be Tuesday to enjoy these savory, tender shredded chicken tacos loaded up with all of your favorite toppings!
17. Spaghetti Bolognese
A kid-favorite meal, this spaghetti Bolognese is a classic dish that is covered in a meaty and savory tomato sauce!
18. BBQ Baked Pork Spareribs
These juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone pork spareribs use a pork dry rub and BBQ sauce to make the best ribs you’ve ever tasted!
19. Baked Cheeseburgers
There is no need to make a mess with a pan or a grill when you can bake these flavorful burgers right in the oven!
20. Pan Seared T-Bone Steak
The key to this rich and flavorful steak is basting it with a delicious garlic herb butter!
21. Fried Chicken
My classic fried chicken recipe uses the whole chicken! Whether you prefer dark or white meat, you can still have it crispy and golden-fried!
22. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This all-in-one meal is cheesy, delicious, and can be prepared ahead of time. It's one of the easiest dinner suggestions if you need to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters.
23. Baked Flounder
My baked flounder recipe makes a tender flounder with a crispy breadcrumb coating, all within 20 minutes!
24. Meatloaf (With Oatmeal)
Oatmeal meatloaf is a staple dinner at my house because it’s easy to make, and the whole family loves it!
25. Nachos Supreme
These nachos are loaded sky-high with whatever toppings you like, perfect for game day or entertaining friends! They are also a great dinner idea for tonight!
26. Baked Rigatoni
This cheesy and saucy pasta bake is a yummy family favorite that can be made in advance to save time on those extra busy days!
27. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
My teriyaki chicken stir fry is a healthy, flavorful bowl full of fresh veggies and perfectly cooked chicken!
28. Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
This casserole is an easier version of the classic chicken pot pie without losing any of the comforting, delicious flavors!
29. Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs
If you have some leftover spaghetti, use it to make this comforting casserole! It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly delicious! It's a great dinner idea for tonight!
30. Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese
This delicious ham and cheese sandwich is baked to crispy perfection using your air fryer in only 10 minutes. This is another one of my favorite simple ideas the kiddos will love!
31. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Grab some tortillas and your favorite toppings because these tender and juicy shrimp fajitas are ready in less than 20 minutes!
32. Shrimp Scampi
A buttery lemon sauce and tender shrimp are the stars of this super easy and yummy dinner!
33. Salmon with Dill Sauce
Healthy, satisfying, and light- you can’t go wrong with this perfectly seared salmon and made-from-scratch dill sauce!
34. Air Fryer Brats
These brats have crispy skin with a deliciously juicy inside!
35. Ground Beef Stroganoff
This classic dinner features savory ground beef smothered in a flavorful gravy that tops a tender bed of egg noodles!
36. Tater Tot Hamburger Casserole
This kid-loved meal brings all of your favorite fast food flavors together in this warm and comforting casserole. This is one of the best ideas if you have picky kiddos in the house!
37. Margherita Sheet Pan Pizza
Recruit your kids and have fun making this delicious and crispy Margherita sheet pan pizza!
38. Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Enjoy a savory twist on this classic meatloaf recipe by adding some bacon-wrapped goodness!
39. Baked Italian Sausage
Juicy Italian sausages and roasted vegetables make for an easy and flavorful one-pan dinner!
40. Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
Whip up a quick and flavorful meatloaf using DIY onion soup mix as the secret ingredient. It is hands-down the most popular Lipton onion soup mix recipe on the site!
41. Pork Shoulder Butt Roast
This pork shoulder butt is seasoned to perfection with my homemade pork roast rub and roasted until it's melt-in-your-mouth-tender. You can even make a quick version in the instant pot.
42. Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Now you can make the classic hometown country-cooked meatloaf made famous by Cracker Barrel from the comfort of your own kitchen!
43. Boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
You only need four ingredients for these super tender boneless pork ribs, and your oven does all of the work!
44. Crockpot Cube Steak
Tender cube steak cooked low and slow in a rich and creamy brown mushroom gravy made with cream of mushroom soup. Just set it in the morning and forget about it until dinnertime!
45. Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Forget store-bought mixes. My homemade shake-and-bake breading is an easy way to elevate pork chops. For side dish suggestions, I have an entire page dedicated to what to serve with shake and bake pork chops!
46. Tacos Dorados
These crispy golden tacos are sure to be a new favorite for Taco Tuesdays. Just add your favorite taco toppings!
47. Ground Beef Casserole
A cheesy pasta casserole loaded with seasoned ground beef, and it's ready in 15 minutes - what more could you ask for?
48. Doritos Casserole
Nacho cheese Doritos make up the crunchy base of this cheesy Tex-Mex casserole!
49. Sous Vide Chicken Breast
With a little practice, sous vide is an extremely easy cooking method that makes for the most juicy and succulent chicken you'll ever try!
50. Lemon Butter Baked Cod
This flaky baked cod in lemon butter cream sauce is always a hit at my house for an easy seafood dinner!
51. 4 Ingredient Potato Soup
It's hard to beat anything that tastes as rich and satisfying as this potato soup when it can be made with just four ingredients!
52. Beefaroni
My take on this classic family favorite is just as cheesy and comforting as you remember from childhood!
53. Crockpot Mongolian Beef
This crockpot Mongolian beef is better than any drive-thru Chinese takeout recipe! Not to mention, it's ready to eat in just 2 hours.
54. Air Fryer Quesadillas
Whip up quick and crispy quesadillas in your air fryer for an easy dinner option that can be customized to each person!
55. Slow Cooker Goulash
With tender noodles and a hearty meat sauce, this simple slow cooker goulash is a classic comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
56. Shredded Chicken Enchiladas
Shred up your leftover chicken, or grab a rotisserie chicken for these super easy cheesy chicken enchiladas! Try it with my homemade red enchilada sauce, or you can use canned in a pinch!
57. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Casserole recipes are the ultimate choice for satisfying family dinners in a flash. Leftover spaghetti can be used to make this super cheesy spaghetti casserole that you'll love even more than the original meal!
58. Baked Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs freeze wonderfully, so you can make them in advance and reheat them for an easy entree or quick snack!
59. Honey Garlic Pork Chops
The sweetness of honey and the robust flavor of garlic come together to make the most delectable pork chops. You can check out my favorite pork chop side dishes here or whip up a few of your go-to sides to round out the meal!
60. Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs with Pineapple
These sweet and savory chicken meatballs in pineapple teriyaki sauce are fabulous over rice or noodles. Serve over quick instant pot long grain, basmati, or jasmine rice.
61. Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
Toss shredded chicken with cheese, spaghetti, and Rotel tomatoes with chiles, and bake for a zesty and satisfying chicken spaghetti casserole!
😋 More Great Dinner Recipes
- Grilled Pork Steaks
- Bison Burgers
- Air Fryer Stuffed Pork Chops
- Oven Fried Catfish
- Red Beans and Rice
I hope this list of dinner ideas for tonight helped you choose a delicious meal to make! Leave a comment and let me know your go-to dinner ideas!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
Best Easy Dinner Ideas For Tonight: 61+ Great Main Dish Recipes To Make Now!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- ¼ cup yellow onion (diced - or white onion)
- 21.5 oz cream of chicken condensed soup (2 10.75-ounce cans)
- 10 oz RoTel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 ½ tablespoon taco seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite brand)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed or cut into chunks, softened at room temperature)
- 15.25 oz black beans (1 15.25-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded, or leftover rotisserie chicken)
- 9 oz Nacho Cheese Doritos (one regular size bag, crushed - divided into 2 portions)
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (shredded - divided, two 1 cup portions)
- ¼ cup cilantro (optional, fresh, chopped)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) while you heat a large skillet with the 1 tablespoon olive oil to medium heat. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the diced ¼ cup yellow onion and saute until opaque, fragrant, and tender, or about 4-5 minutes. Pour in the 21.5 oz cream of chicken condensed soup, 10 oz RoTel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1 ½ tablespoon taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
- After stirring the sauce, add the softened 4 oz cream cheese and stir until it's melted, then add the drained 15.25 oz black beans and shredded 4 cups cooked chicken meat. Stir to combine and evenly coat the chicken with sauce. *If you'd like some of the optional ¼ cup cilantro in your chicken casserole, stir it in with the chicken and beans.
- Layer half the crushed 9 oz Nacho Cheese Doritos into your prepared baking dish, then add half of the chicken sauce mixture. Top with half of the shredded 2 cups Mexican cheese blend. Add the last half of the chicken mixture, top with the remaining Doritos, and then the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C/Gas Mark 4) in the middle of your oven's center rack for 30 minutes. Cover loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil if the cheese topping starts to brown too much. Your casserole is ready when the cheese is fully melted and golden.
Notes
- Setting your cream cheese out about 30 minutes before you'll need it is (typically) sufficient time for the cream cheese to warm at room temperature.
- Plain or fire roasted diced tomatoes are also great in this casserole.
- Regular size bags (keep getting smaller) but typically range between 9 to 10-ounces. The family size bags are around 15-ounces and will work wonderfully as well.
- The optional cilantro is great as garnish when serving, but is also a fantastic stir-in for the casserole.
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